Originally Posted by VictorMikeLima

Hello, I've recently discovered this site and have been reading many threads, fueling my urge to get on a bike and ride. I've little to no experience in commuting. I did own a road bike that I had purchased off of a guy from craigslist...which I later sped down a hill as fast as I could, and after trying to hit the rear brakes to slow down, it just wouldn't ease up, the bike started to wobble and I tumbled a few feet and had some serious injuries. Anyways, that's really all of the bike experience I have other than owning a few bikes as a child growing up.

I'm currently a student and working full-time cleaning up tables at a restaurant. My car was stolen from me a few months ago, leaving me relying on others for rides to work for the past five months or so. I'm still living with my parents, and they're a traditional Asian family with the whole "all work, no play" attitude.

So I'm in the process of finding a means of transportation. I can purchase a vehicle right now for $800. It's actually pretty reliable, but cosmetically it's banged up. (Brother's a mechanic and says the engine is good to go.) But with the purchase of the car, I'm going to have to start paying for insurance, and gas, not only for me but my brother who's unemployed and goes to school as well. So there's going to be a lot of money going to the car, of course.

Last week I went to a known bicycle store in my area (Orange Cycle in Orlando Florida, if anyone knows it). I've jumped on the bandwagon of an aspiring triathlete and have begun 1/3rd of the training for my aspirations. Thing is, I don't have a pool, and most of all a bike. I talked to the employee at Orange Cycle for a good hour or two about bicycles that fit my needs, he was also a commuter. We decided on the 2012 Specialized Sirrus Comp. Now, the problem with getting the bike is I'm a bit short on cash. But money isn't the real factor is. The real problem is, everyone in my family is against me buying a bike to commute. They see the bike and my aspirations as nothing but a hobby. Something to do for fun that's not work, rather than in my opinion, a lifestyle and a dream.

My father put up a few points on the bike and commuting, such as, if the weather's bad you can't ride your bike. I live in Florida, so there's always storms and rainy days. Always. Plus the blistering sun, and at the moment mild chill weather. Nothing I feel I can't handle. But again, I've never commuted in such conditions. Others say that I'll be too tired and sweaty to commute to work and have energy to continue my day, even though I run between twenty to thirty minutes a day right before work. So maintaining my energy has never really been a problem, as long as I grab a power/clif bar.

So after reading my story (and I really do appreciate it if you guys took the time to read it), what do you guys think of my situation? Would it be okay for me to commute to work and school with my bike? (Even if I purchase that car, I still want a bike...) I'd have to ride through rain and wind and possible reckless traffic everyday. But it seems like an adventure to me. Do commuters have problems riding in heavy rain? How do you guys make up getting to work all sweaty and stuff? (I read the sticky thread on this but couldn't find a answer that applied to be after twenty or so long comments). Everyone just seems to think that a bicycle is a toy or something to use for fun only. Also, my daily commute to work would be about 22 - 23 miles round trip. The most I've ever ridden was on a trail here in Orlando, which was about 45 miles. I was sort of dead after the ride, but it was incredibly fun the whole way. And that was the first time I had ridden a bike in a year or two since my accident.

If anyone knows what the roads are like in Central Florida, that would help me tremendously! In case you don't, we've got large roads, and I would ride in areas where the Speed Limit would be from 45 - 55 mph. My only worry is reckless drivers, and I would sort of ride past a few bad areas that are known for careless drivers. (Some lady almost t-boned me while putting her make-up on the other day!)

Anyways, again. I really appreciate anyone taking the time to read this book I've summed up for you guys on my situation. If you guys could give me any good answers for those common questions you guys may get about commuting, please, feel free to share them with me! I've read the thread about dealing with your co-workers, which was helpful. But how about your family and friends?